A new McDonald's branch has opened in Bradley Stoke today (September 14). The new restaurant is located at the Willow Brook shopping centre in the area and was recently given permission to include a 24-hour drive-thru service too.
It's been a long wait, as Covid-19 and its subsequent lockdowns have meant that it has been more than two years since planning for the site was approved. What's more, some 37 local residents objected to the licensing application to serve hot food through the night at the outlet, raising concerns over noise, litter, smells and antisocial behaviour.
They also said the fast-food restaurant will be too close to homes to be allowed to trade around the clock. The new drive-thru is next to a 24-hour Starbucks branch. And today the new McDonald's restaurant opened its doors for the first time, with pictures showing the shiny new building under clear blue skies on its opening day.
Read more: Bradley Stoke McDonald's drive-thru wins 24/7 licence despite fears it will cause "untold misery"
Back in June Bristol Live reported that the chain had started hiring staff ahead of its new store opening. And, just last month, Mike Guerin, McDonald's franchisee, said: "I’m excited that my new Bradley Stoke restaurant is being built with a new design and innovations which will improve the experience of our customers and my team. I look forward to opening on September 14.”
Sharing news of the branch's opening, Willow Brook Centre shared its own images featuring new staff and customers making use of the restaurants and its Drive-Thru, while locals tagged their friends and shared their thoughts on the centre's latest arrival. One customer said: "Went down there at 11:30, no queues at the drive through. Feeling nice and full up".
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